Rumors that Apple will be releasing iOS 4.0.1 on Thursday have begun making the rounds with claims that the update will address iPhone 4 signal strength bar issues. iPhoneHellas claimed to get the information from an unnamed “reliable source.”

If true, the update will be coming a day ahead of Apple’s iPhone 4-related press conference on Friday. Apple began sending out media invitations to the event late on Wednesday and has been quiet about exactly what will be discussed.

Apple has been getting negative press over iPhone 4 signal and antenna issues ever since the combination iPod and smartphone hit customer’s hands. Consumer Reports refused to recommend the iPhone 4, too, because of the issues even though it ranked at the top of its smartphone list.

“When your finger or hand touches a spot on the phone’s lower left side — an easy thing, especially for lefties — the signal can significantly degrade enough to cause you to lose your connection altogether if you’re in an area with a weak signal,” the group said. “Due to this problem, we can’t recommend the iPhone 4.”

Apple has promised that a software fix is on the way in the coming weeks, so if the patch is released today — and it really fixes the issue — the update that will be a welcome surprise.